US Bridges

FAP 81 over Nolichucky River

Fair

Washington County, Tennessee · 1.9 M NW of Unicoi CO LN · Structure no. 90SR0810001

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
564 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,903
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FAP 81 over Nolichucky River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FAP 81 over Nolichucky River in Washington County, Tennessee. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4,903 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,845 by 2042. The structure is 564 ft (171.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFAP 81
CrossesNolichucky River
Location1.9 M NW of Unicoi CO LN
RouteState Highway 81
CountyWashington County
StateTennessee
Coordinates36.17762, -82.45417
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.2 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length564 ft (171.8 m)
Longest span158 ft (48.2 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,903 (2021)
Projected traffic7,845 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$6.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FAP 81 over Nolichucky River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is FAP 81 over Nolichucky River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does FAP 81 over Nolichucky River carry?

About 4,903 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is FAP 81 over Nolichucky River?

The structure is 564 ft (171.8 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.2 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns FAP 81 over Nolichucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.